Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the definition and calculation of skyshine dose in the MCNP5 radiation transport code, particularly in scenarios involving shielding and distance from the radiation source. Participants explore the implications of different geometries and configurations on the skyshine component of radiation dose.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks an accepted definition of skyshine dose in MCNP and questions how to calculate it when a large source region is involved.
- Another participant suggests using an importance setting (imp:p 0) in the primary barrier to improve computational efficiency.
- A participant shares their experience of using a high fictitious density slab in their initial tests but found that using imp=0 yielded faster and nearly identical results.
- There is a question posed about the meaning of skyshine when there is no shield other than air and the source is relatively close to the dose point.
- A definition of skyshine is provided, describing it as radiation scattered by air outside of radiological shielding.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the best approach to model skyshine and its calculation, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about shielding and the specific configurations of source and dose points, which may affect the interpretation of skyshine.